Patna: A high-level review meeting chaired by Pankaj Kumar Pal has set in motion a fresh push to improve pedestrian safety across Bihar. Held via video conferencing on February 24 in Patna, the meeting focused on accelerating work related to foot overbridges, footpaths and zebra crossings as part of the state’s broader road safety policy.
Senior officials and engineers from the Road Construction Department attended the meeting, while executive engineers from various districts joined remotely. The review comes amid growing concern over pedestrian vulnerability on busy highways and urban roads, particularly in towns where basic walking infrastructure remains inadequate.
Officials said 3,040 zebra crossing sites have already been constructed across the state. A further 342 locations have been proposed. Pal directed engineers to ensure that district magistrates are regularly updated through district road safety committee meetings about the number of crossings painted and the progress made at newly approved sites. He also instructed officers to identify appropriate locations for new footpaths along roads passing through cities and smaller towns and to submit reports for swift action.
The secretary emphasised that work on zebra crossings at newly proposed sites should begin without delay. He also issued instructions regarding the construction of 37 proposed foot overbridges, asking officials to secure consent from the respective district magistrates at the earliest to avoid procedural bottlenecks.
The department described the meeting as a significant step towards reducing road accidents and ensuring safer movement for pedestrians. With implementation now underway, officials say the focus will be on translating plans into visible on-ground improvements in the coming months.
